Cheryle Pacapelli | Support SB298

To: House Executive Departments and Administration Committee Re: Support for SB 298-FN – Recovery Residence Certification Date: March 2026 Dear Chairman and Members of the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee, I am writing to express my support for SB 298-FN, which establishes a statewide requirement that recovery residences in New Hampshire obtain certification. New Hampshire has already taken an important step toward ensuring quality recovery housing through the designation of New Hampshire Peer Recovery Residences (NHPRR) as the state’s certifying body for recovery residences. NHPRR provides an established certification framework with standards that align with nationally recognized best practices supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through this existing system, more than 90 recovery residences across New Hampshire have already been certified, demonstrating that providers throughout the state are willing and able to meet high standards that promote safe, ethical, and recovery-oriented housing environments. SB 298 builds on this existing infrastructure rather than creating a new system. By requiring certification through the established NHPRR process, the state can ensure that all recovery housing operates with consistent expectations for resident safety, ethical management, and recovery-supportive practices. Importantly, SB 298 also creates a level playing field across the recovery housing landscape. Today, responsible operators are already meeting rigorous standards, while others may operate without the same accountability. Requiring certification ensures that all providers are held to the same expectations, supporting ethical operators and preventing unfair advantages for those who do not follow best practices. In addition, this legislation is a critical consumer protection measure. Individuals seeking recovery—and their families—deserve confidence that recovery residences are safe, well-managed, and truly supportive of long-term recovery. A statewide certification requirement helps protect residents from unsafe or exploitative environments and provides transparency for referral sources, communities, and stakeholders. Recovery residences play a critical role in helping individuals sustain recovery, rebuild stability, and reconnect with employment, family, and community. Ensuring that these homes operate under clear, evidence-informed standards benefits residents, families, treatment providers, municipalities, and the broader public. SB 298 represents a practical and thoughtful step forward because it recognizes that the framework already exists in New Hampshire and ensures that all recovery residences meet the same standards of quality, accountability, and integrity. I respectfully urge the Committee to support SB 298-FN. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to strengthening recovery supports across our state. Sincerely, Cheryle Pacapelli Woman in long term recovery since 1989 and former recovery house owner for 21 years